The capital is well known for being an educational powerhouse, boasting some of the country’s highest test scores all the way through to A Levels.
Parents in the sprawling city will likely find they have access to plenty of fantastic secondary schools on their doorstep, from excellent state-funded schools, to exclusive grammar schools, to high-performing faith schools, through to elite private schools - for those that can afford it. Prices are set to rise for many private schools soon too, with them no longer being exempt from paying VAT on fees from January 2025.
Families will likely face a choice, and especially when it comes to A Levels - which can often determine a young person’s opportunities after secondary school - it’s vital that they choose a school that supports their child to perform to the best of their abilities. Private schools tend to be some of the best performers in the country on this front, and many have bursaries and scholarships available that can make them an excellent and more accessible choice to families from all walks of life.
Using data from the Independent Schools Council, The Telegraph has created a league table of private schools based on the percentage of their A Level entries during the 2024 exam season - A Levels for most of the UK - to receive a top grade. It is worth noting, however, that unlike state schools, independent schools do not have to share their results - nor are all of them represented by the council. Here were the 10 best-performing private schools from across London - as well as how much they could set you back.
1. Westminster School
At the top of the list is Westminster School, an Anglican boys’ secondary school in Westminster, Central London - with a mixed sixth form. It is also the second-highest performing private school in the overall list. In the 2023/24 school year, 87% of all of the A Level grades achieved by its students were an A* or and A. Tuition for sixth form pupils is £39,735 a year for a senior student, although this can rise to as much as £52,488 for boarders. | Adobe Stock
2. King’s College School
This is an Anglican boys’ secondary school in Wimbledon, South London, with a mixed sixth form. It comes in fifth in the UK-wide list. In the 2023/24 school year, 86.1% of all of the A Level grades achieved by its students were an A* or and A. Tuition fees for upper senior students this year will be £30,326 for a senior student (taking into account changes to VAT for private schools from January). | Google
3. Wimbledon High School GDST
Also in Southwest London’s Wimbledon, this is a girls’ secondary school and sixth form. In the 2023/24 school year, 79.9% of all of the A Level grades achieved by its students were an A* or and A. Tuition for senior students this year will be £26,883 for a senior student (taking into account changes to VAT for private schools from January). | Google
4. City of London School
This is a boys’ secondary school in the City of London area, just across the Thames from the Tate Modern. In the 2023/24 school year, 78.4% of all of the A Level grades achieved by its students were an A* or and A. Fees for this school year come out to about £23,655 for a senior student, excluding VAT. | Google